The experienced Merrick has pinpointed the next four games – three of which are at home – as vital to his side’s hopes of having a successful season.

A win here and they will leapfrog Roar into the top six.

John Aloisi will be sweating on the fitness of striker Adam Taggart, who could yet feature in this clash despite being substituted in the first half of the loss to Adelaide United last Friday night with a groin injury.

Taggart has scored five of Roar’s seven goals for the season and was included in the club's squad, released on Thursday.

Brisbane have won just once in their last four visits to McDonald Jones Stadium and failed to score a first-half goal in all of those clashes.

They’ll need to fix stat if they are to improve their record against the Jets, who could welcome back some key attacking stars for this one.

Key Opta stats

Newcastle Jets have won their last three Hyundai A-League games against Brisbane Roar; they have never previously won four games in a row against any opponent.

Brisbane are the only team yet to concede a goal within the final 15 minutes of a game this Hyundai A-League season.

The Jets have failed to score a first-half goal in any of their last six Hyundai A-League games on home turf, going on to win just one game in that time (D1, L4).